ZIP code 21221, covering Essex, MD, has 81 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 59 hailstorms, 11 tornadoes, and 6 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $8.1M. These events have resulted in 2 recorded deaths and 9 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Essex is hailstorms, with 59 recorded events making up 73% of the area's disaster history. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jun 29, 2025.
There have been 11 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 14% of all disaster events. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $7.8M in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 16, 2025.
Essex has experienced 6 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $120K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 29, 2019.
Essex has experienced 5 floods on record. Of these, 2 (40%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Flood-related events have caused a combined $145K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jul 24, 2020.
The most significant disaster event on record for Essex was EF1 Tornado on Jun 5, 2024, which caused $5M in property damage. Another major event was EF1 Tornado (May 16, 2025), causing $1M in damages. EF1 Tornado on Nov 8, 1996 also caused significant damage ($750K).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 21221 has experienced 81 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (59 events), tornadoes (11 events), severe wind events (6 events), and floods (5 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 73% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Essex, MD, with 59 events documented.
Yes, Essex (ZIP 21221) has 5 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $145K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jul 24, 2020.
Essex has 11 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 3/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $7.8M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 16, 2025.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 21221 was EF1 Tornado, which occurred on Jun 5, 2024. This event caused $5M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 2/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $8.1M in property damage in the Essex, MD area (ZIP 21221). This figure is based on historical records from FEMA, NOAA Storm Events Database, and USGS, and covers events from the 1950s through the present. Actual damages may be higher, as not all events have complete damage assessments.
Data sourced from FEMA (disaster declarations, NFIP flood claims), NOAA Storm Events Database, USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, and NIFC wildfire records. Historical coverage varies by source, with most records beginning in the 1950s–1970s. Full methodology →